Joshua D. Otto

Joshua David Otto, age 35, of Rapid City, S.D., died on Tuesday, May 31, 2016 at the Rapid City Regional Hospital as a result of a motorcycle accident.

Joshua David Otto was born August 24, 1980, in Rapid City, the son of Bart and Jo (Hamm) Otto. He lived in Rapid City, Arizona, and Colorado while growing up. He was homeschooled for most of his primary and secondary education and then attended Cornerstone Bible Institute in Hot Springs and Southwest Bible College in Phoenix, Ariz.

In 2000, he enlisted in the South Dakota National Guard and attended basic training at Ft. Jackson, S.C., and AIT at Fort Eustis, Va. He then worked at High Country Harley Davidson in Frederick, Colo., for two years. 

In 2002, his National Guard unit was activated and Josh deployed to Bosnia. After his tour in Bosnia, he returned to Colorado for a brief time. In 2005, Josh entered flight school at Ft. Rucker, Ala. After completion of flight school, he returned to Rapid City with the S.D. National Guard 1085th, which later changed to Charlie Company 189th. He also worked at Camp Rapid as a civilian during the week. 

In 2007, he, along with his unit, was activated and stationed in Nicaragua. He worked at J3 (joint operations at Camp Rapid). In early 2011, he deployed to Iraq and Kuwait. After his return, he worked at Infinity Diesel in Black Hawk.

Joshua married Starla Bowen on Sept. 15, 2012, whom he had met many years ago while attending college. The couple made their home in Rapid City. They were blessed with their daughter, Beverly Jo, on Feb. 18, 2016. 

Josh loved spending time with family and friends and enjoyed a variety of hobbies, including motorcycling, rock climbing, hiking, camping, bird hunting and many more. He was a member of the Quinn chapter of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Josh was currently working as an ALSE Technician at the Army Aviation Support Facility with the National Guard in Rapid City. 

Survivors include his wife, Starla; his daughter, Beverly Jo; his parents, Bart and Jo Otto of Rapid City; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Dave and Sherel Bowen of Tucson, Ariz.; 11 siblings, Bill Otto and his fiancée, Carol, of Nashville, Tenn., Jessica Otto of Rapid City, Sarah King and her husband, Justin, of Hermosa, Matt Otto of Gillette, Wyo., Joseph Otto of Rapid City, Peter Otto of Cody, Wyo., Medore Otto of Wall, Garrett Otto of Provo, Utah, Catherine Otto of Rapid City, Clayton Otto of Wall, and Josiah Otto of Rapid City; his maternal grandmother, Loy Hamm of Wall; numerous uncles and aunts; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Josh was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Charles and Ruth Otto; his maternal grandfather, Glenn Hamm; his aunt, Patricia Lynn Bowman; and his cousin, Bart Cheney.

Services were held Monday, June 6, at the Parkview Evangelical Free Church in Rapid City with Pastor Steve Balsley officiating. 

Eulogy was given by Jon LeBar. Ushers were Greggory Holland, Andrew Busse, Philip Lakner and Daniel Powell. Pallbearers were Scott Linquist, Patrick Hiles, Ryan Wiley, Matthew Mulder, Jon Noble, Jason Bertolotto, Shad Tenold and Frank Gutierez.

Military graveside services were held at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis.

Josh had a passion for the needs of other veterans and was making donations to Operation Black Hills Cabin in honor of his friend, Ben Larson. A memorial is established there in Ben’s name, and in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Ben Larson Memorial at Operation Black Hills Cabin. www.operationblackhillscabin.org. In addition, contributions to support the family can be made to the Joshua D. Otto Memorial Fund via www. gofundme.com/27jrpfw.

Arrangements were with Rush Funeral Home of Philip.

His online guestbook is available at www.rushfuneralhome. com.